On February 12, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Germany will extend its temporary internal border controls with all neighboring countries for an additional six months, keeping them in place until September 15, 2025. The current border control measure, which is set to expire on March 15, will now continue as part of efforts to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime.
The decision to maintain these controls, initially reinstated in September 2024, has faced opposition from some EU member states, but Germany has stood firm on its position.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that the border checks have proven effective and remain necessary. She emphasized that the controls have played a crucial role in managing irregular migration and disrupting human smuggling operations. Minister Faeser also reassured the public that the checks will be conducted in a way that minimizes disruptions to travel and commuter traffic, though occasional delays are possible.
Since the border controls were reinstated, data from the German Ministry of Interior has revealed that the country’s Federal Police have detected approximately 80,000 irregular entries. Additionally, 1,900 people smugglers have been arrested, and around 47,000 individuals have been denied entry for lacking valid travel documents, visas, or residence permits.
